Yesterday, the Blue Jays announced the signing of Matt Shoemaker on a one-year contract for $3.5 million, plus incentives. Shoemaker is controllable through 2020, if the Blue Jays wish to retain him. It appears as if he will fit into the fourth spot in the rotation behind Stroman, Sanchez and Borucki, which currently leaves Reid-Foley and Pannone as the leading contenders for the fifth spot.

The Jays have a logjam of infielders and need pitching so today they traded Aledmys Diaz to the Astros for AAA RHP Trent Thornton. Thornton is a riser in the Astros system who wasn't a top 30 prospect a year ago but who had a break out 2018.

Numerous reports say the Jays will hire Charlie Montoyo as their new manager. The hiring of Montoyo is a bit unexpected as he was the oldest candidate under consideration, 53 years old, and appeared to be the least up to date with modern analytics. Montoyo played four major league games and had five at-bats, all for the Expos. Montoyo had a long minor league career followed by a long minor league managing career.

Roy Halladay did today in a plane crash. He was the pilot and lone occupant. Roy was one of the Blue Jay greats with a tremendous story of struggle and renewal. His journey down to A ball from the major leagues, his re-making his delivery and his return to success was a great story and an inspiration to many young pitchers.

2:30 pm: The Blue Jays have traded Francisco Liriano to Houston for outfielder Nori Aoki and prospect Teoscar Hernandez. Itís a better return for Liriano than I expected; probably because the Jays are also taking on Aokiís remaining salary in 2017.